Cyberattacks disrupt Emergency Alert systems in Ukraine and Russia
Official apps used in Ukraine and Russia to warn citizens of imminent dangers, such as airstrikes, have been targeted by cyberattacks. Authorities have confirmed the incidents.
In Ukraine, an attack on the “Air Alert” app, initially occurring late Sunday evening, sparked concern. False reports of radioactive contamination in Kyiv were circulated. The Ukrainian Air Force stated via Telegram that the app may have been manipulated by the opposing side, emphasizing that there is no radiation hazard.
Russia also announced a cyberattack on its own warning app. According to the state news agency Tass, citing the Ministry of Emergency Situations, attackers breached the system and disseminated misleading information to the population. Authorities have not provided any information regarding potential perpetrators. The website of the responsible ministry was temporarily unavailable.
The temporal proximity of the attacks in both countries has led to speculation about a possible counterattack, potentially from Ukrainian sources. Reports indicate that warning sirens were triggered in some regions, and the app also disseminated inaccurate warnings about the use of chemical weapons. Authorities advised citizens not to click on links in the warning messages.
Source
“Hackerangriffe auf Notfall-Apps in der Ukraine und Russland”
Read the original report (in German) ↗This story is an AI-assisted version of the original report, checked and edited by the Plainwire desk before publication. Read our editorial policy · Report an error
Read next
Cyberattacks target Ukraine and Russia following truce expiration
Ukraine reported that its mobile population alert application was hacked late Sunday, followed by Russia’s announcement of an attack on the Ministry…
Related
Caught up in five lines
The Brief: the day’s biggest stories, written by our desk at and .